Those reared on American rock 'n' roll structures codified a half-century ago in the South will find little to argue with in the debut album by Alabama Shakes. As convincing an introduction to a group as was released this year, the Athens, Ala., four-piece's record highlights the overpowering...

Those reared on American rock 'n' roll structures codified a half-century ago in the South will find little to argue with in the debut album by Alabama Shakes. As convincing an introduction to a group as was released this year, the Athens, Ala., four-piece's record highlights the overpowering... (Getty Images / ATO / AP)

Few records were consumed by my internal jukebox as intensely as this. Words and lines that I as a reasonably reserved gentleman never expected to sing out loud in my car — "He makes my heart a cinemascope screen/ Showing a dancing bird of paradise" — have poured forth over the six months since...

Few records were consumed by my internal jukebox as intensely as this. Words and lines that I as a reasonably reserved gentleman never expected to sing out loud in my car — "He makes my heart a cinemascope screen/ Showing a dancing bird of paradise" — have poured forth over the six months since... (Genaro Molina, Los Angeles Times / Epic)

Why this Mexican band's fantastic eighth record hasn't been more lauded is a mystery; it's as exciting and adventurous a statement as was released this year. Over 10 songs, the four-piece art rock band merges guitar, bass, rhythms both acoustic and digital, synthesizers and a spirit of...

Why this Mexican band's fantastic eighth record hasn't been more lauded is a mystery; it's as exciting and adventurous a statement as was released this year. Over 10 songs, the four-piece art rock band merges guitar, bass, rhythms both acoustic and digital, synthesizers and a spirit of... (AP / Universal Music)

The most vital characteristic for a young artist is specificity of voice: to convey a set of musical ideas that's unique to him, her or, in the case of this British rock band , them. The young group's sound is immediately recognizable, pushing Beach Boys falsetto harmonies through competing...

The most vital characteristic for a young artist is specificity of voice: to convey a set of musical ideas that's unique to him, her or, in the case of this British rock band , them. The young group's sound is immediately recognizable, pushing Beach Boys falsetto harmonies through competing... (Getty Images / Ribbon Music)